Stories
These meetings are always a gem to learn about your new Rotarians
Elaine and Terry are no strangers to our Club and shared the details of what they were made of . Taking us through their life journey in a matter of minutes riddled with humor and personal stories where just by chance they had brief brushes of influence with close family and friends who had displayed in doing what it meant to be a Rotarian. |
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Student Bursaries Presentation for 2023Just another Tuesday morning supporting our community…. or was it? At our July 11th weekly Rotary meeting, Club President Chris Zelasko and Director of Education Chris Christodoulou presented bursary cheques to 7 (6 in attendance) exemplary students within our community. As each student was introduced and shared their appreciation speeches, one couldn’t help but hold back tears hearing their many and diverse experiences coupled with a positive outlook for their future and the future of the community, they call home. The event culminated with the entire audience giving these young talented individuals a standing ovation as we wish them all the best in their journey ahead. Join us in congratulating Adrian (Skyler), Simon, Miranda, Teagan, Khristina and Gemma. Kaylee was out on summer vacation but will join us later this summer for her celebratory speech. Until next time cheers! |
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport) Shuttle ServiceHere's an opportunity to come out and meet some great people with a common interest, while having fun. Each year, our Rotary Club of Bowmanville provides volunteer service at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. In exchange for our services, a donation is made to our club to help support our various community programs. These golf cart chauffeurs are loads of fun and 100% of the tips you share with them this year, as they shuttle you across the park to your favorite corner, all go to our local Hospice. This weekend was our second of three long weekends planned this year, please join us later this summer for our third and final of the season. Help us help our community. Email us at bowmanville.rotary@gmail.com to book your next volunteer opportunity. |
Bowmanville Rotary Presents Bursaries to Deserving StudentsOn Tuesday July 12th the Rotary Club of Bowmanville was pleased to present five bursaries, each valued at $1,000, to five deserving students going on to pursue postsecondary education. The recipients were selected by the guidance department at each school using criteria set by the Rotary Club of Bowmanville. The criteria included academic achievement, school and community involvement, and financial need. The recipients were:
Following the presentations of the bursaries, one of our Club members, Jason Van Siphout, generously pledged to add an additional $200 to each of the bursaries. The Rotary Club of Bowmanville and the Youth Service Committee wish the very best of luck to these five outstanding young women. There is a bright future ahead for all of them. Congratulations! |
Rotary Ribs & Brews Festival was a GREAT Success!After two years of forced hiatus the Rotary Club of Bowmanville was thrilled to once again invite the families of Clarington and surrounding area to enjoy our famous Ribs and Brews Festival. And what an amazing success you made it! Can you believe we raised $101,000 that we will use to support our community and international projects. A big "Thank You" to our incredibly generous sponsors, the talented musicians, the fabulous Ribbers, the wonderful Craft Brewers, the many food and non-food vendors, Durham Regional Police Service and the Security team, and all the terrific volunteers without whom we could never have pulled this off. And a special "Thank You" to all of you who graced us with your presence, had a great time, and made this event the success it was! Want to see a few photos? Click here for our photo album. |
Service Above Self - Community RecognitionNine amazing individuals! Clarington community is blessed with the good works of many. Recently our Rotary Club of Bowmanville had the opportunity to thank and honour nine of our people for their amazing contributions to others. On the evening of May 25th 2022, at the Admiral’s Walk Club House in Newcastle, the Rotary Club of Bowmanville honoured 7 community individuals for their dedication to service of others. These individuals exemplified our motto of Rotary in providing Service above Self within our own Clarington Community. Receiving such a recognition is the highest honour our Rotary club can bestow upon an individual. The following individuals were named as PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS during a presentation evening highlighting their individual contributions and good deeds to the community. Congratulations and appreciation to: Jill Richardson Donna Metcalf Lucy Rekker Richard Rekker Rod McArthur Stefanie McEwan Steve Kay A similar ceremony also occurred on May 28th at Wilmot Creek Community Wheelhouse, where residents Lorraine Bird and Phil Bird were recognized for their contribution to the community. Congratulations to all. L - R: Richard Rekker, Lucy Rekker, Stefanie McEwan, Jill Richardson, Donna Metcalf, Steve Kay (Absent: Rod McArthur) L - R: Rachel Boyd, Lorraine Bird, Pauline Calvert, Phil Bird, Amy Barney |
Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup a GREAT success!The success of Rotary's Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup was attributable to a wonderful turnout by both Club members and the public. Crews fanned out along the trails that follow both Bowmanville Creek and Sopers Creek to collect bags and bags and more bags of trash.
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Bowmanville Rotary's 2022 Student BursariesThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville is once again pleased to award bursaries of $1,000 to each of five very deserving students who will be pursuing post secondary education in September. Please visit "Our Work" on the Home Page Menu for information and an application. Last year's recipients were...
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Bunnies for Bowmanville are SOLD OUT!Bunnies for Bowmanville has SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraising activity to allow the Rotary Club to continue supporting those in need in our community. The bunnies were made locally at Williams Chocolate Factory. |
The Coldest Night of the YearThursday February 24 may not have actually been The Coldest Night of the Year but for Oshawa Rotarian Rhonda Gorham and about a dozen members of the Bowmanville Rotary Club it was, in fact, a very warm hearted evening.
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Bowmanville Rotary supports "Building on the Best"The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre is a facility unlike any other in Canada or, for that matter, in the world. Founded in 1989 by Marlene Grass, the mission of The Best is "to keep our children, youth, and adults living with type 1 diabetes healthy until a cure is found".
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Bowmanville Rotary Supports C.A.M.P.On Marcy 23, 2021 the Community Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville was pleased to present a cheque for $1,000 to Mr. Ray Bond to support the Community Assisted Meal Program. Mr. Bond and his volunteers offer lunch and dinner take-away meals to the homeless, and those suffering from food insecurity, in Oshawa. During a typical day the program will provide over 100 lunches and slightly fewer dinners to those in need. The program practices safe distancing and the wearing of masks while picking up the meal. Ray Bond, C.A.M.P. (R) and Lyle Goodin, Bowmanville Rotary Club |
Bowmanville Rotary Recognizes Our Everyday Heroes of the PandemicThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville's Thursday March 25th evening meeting was truly a special one. The Club took the opportunity to present eleven Paul Harris Fellowships and two Paul Harris Fellowship Certificates of Appreciation to deserving Everyday Heroes of the Pandemic. Paul Harris was the founder in 1905 of what became Rotary International, a global service organization of more than 32,000 local clubs and over 1.2 million community minded individuals. The motto of Rotary International is "Service Above Self". The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship is Rotary's way of recognizing an individual's outstanding contribution to their community while a Paul Harris Fellowship Certificate of Appreciation recognizes the community contribution of an outstanding organization. The recipients of Paul Harris Fellowships (PHF) were:
Two very deserving organizations received Paul Harris Fellowship Certificates of Appreciation. They were:
The Rotary Club of Bowmanville wishes to express its heartfelt thanks and well deserved congratulations to all Paul Harris Fellowship and Paul Harris Fellowship Certificate of Appreciation recipients. It is people like you who make our community the the wonderful place to live that it is. THANK YOU!!! Koren Kassirer PHF Recipient Eleanor (Eli) Brooks PHF Recipient Marj Huxter PHF Recipient John Albi PHF Recipient |
The Feed the Need in Durham numbers are in!The numbers are finally in for this year's concert to Feed the Need in Durham that was streamed live before Christmas. It took awhile to tabulate the money that came in from all the different sources. The concert, of course, raises funds for the agency "Feed the Need in Durham", which distributes food to 62 members across the region -- places like food banks, shelters and other programs. We're thrilled to announce that our third annual concert netted $20,120! That's up from $14,000 last year. For every dollar raised, Feed the Need can distribute 7 dollars worth of food ... so that means that with the funds raised by the concert, Feed the Need can distribute over $140,000 worth of food to our neighbours who need it ... and this year the need has never been greater. A big "Thank you" to a whole lotta folks who made this happen ... the concert committee who put the virtual show together ... all the sponsors who stepped up ... the Rotary Clubs who got together to help fund the show - six of them from Durham and one from Toronto, with Bowmanville Rotary taking the lead ... the hosts - Ellis and Archer from KX96 and Chris Koppin from CKDO ... and of course, the performers themselves - musicians and dancers from across the Durham Region who donated their time and talent at a time when so many of them are having trouble finding paying gigs because of Covid-19. Musicians are among the most generous people anywhere. And finally, to all of you out there who made donations before, during, and after the concert. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You can still donate by the way - now and throughout the year at "Feed the Need in Durham (all one word) .ca". And if you missed the concert, it's posted on the concert Facebook page. The easiest way is to click here or you can simply Google "Concert to Feed the Need in Durham Facebook". |
Easter Fun for Rotary's Respite ChildrenThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville is planning something special for its Respite Care Children - an Easter Egg Hunt with an opportunity to meet (socially distanced of course) the Easter Bunny and receive a gift basket of goodies. Here are the details: Date: Sunday March 28, 2021 Time: 09:00 to 11:00 Where: Meet up at Central Public School at 09:00 What Will Happen? The children will walk a predetermined route collecting Easter Eggs at stops along the way. The locations are: #1 - Central Public School #2 - Bowmanville Archives #3 - Bowmanville Town Hall #4 - Bowmanville Library #5 - Bowmanville Museum At the Bowmanville Museum the children will turn in the Easter Eggs they have collected for a gift basket from the Easter Bunny himself! |
Rotary Supports Autism Home Base DurhamApril 2, 2021 is World Autism Awareness Day. The Rotary Club of Bowmanville is delighted to once again support Autism Home Base Durham during their Allies for Autism 2021 fundraising campaign being broadcast on Rogers Durham Cable 10, 63 and HD510, Ignite TV HD508 beginning on April 3rd and five times per week throughout the month of April. Autism Home Base Durham is "a social hub for autistic adults and the people who love them". It offers creative opportunities for their members to "discover new interests, engage in the community, build friendships, and develop lifelong supports". This year the funds raised will support new expanded services to more deeply serve autistic adults through live and virtual programs providing them and their families with the supports and tools needed to lead more fulfilling lives. To learn more about Autism Home Base Durham and/or to donate to the Allies for Autism fundraising campaign, please visit their website by following this link. |
Rotary District 7070 Celebrates International Women's DayRotary District 7070 and the Rotary Club of Bowmanville are celebrating International Women's Day with a special virtual meeting being held on Monday March 8, 2021 at 6:30PM. For complete information and to register for the meeting, please follow this link. For its part, The Rotary Club of Bowmanville is also celebrating International Women's Day with a special meeting during its regular date and time slot (Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 07:30AM). Spearheaded by Rotarian Johanna DeBoer, the meeting was planned and will be completely run by the women in our Club.
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The Great Lakes Watershed CleanupThe Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup initiative, beginning April 24, 2021 and continuing through until June 30, 2021, is an effort to focus attention to the Great Lakes and to all the great work that is being done to cleanup our lakes, streams, and waterways. Through the coordination of many associated clean up events, to be held around the week of Earth Day, our goal is to make this the single largest series of linked clean up events ever planned and held during this one period of time on the Great Lakes. For complete information on the program and how to participate, please visit the Rotary District 7070 website. |
Valentines Dinner at Home |
Rotary Supports Local OrganizationsMany local organizations are facing difficulty brought on by SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The Rotary Club of Bowmanville's Community Service Committee was pleased to be able to provide support in the form of cheques for $1,000 to each of the following local groups: * Bethesda House * Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington * Bowmanville Older Adult Association * Clarington East Food Bank * Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178 * Salvation Army Food Bank * Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue We wish to extend a sincere "Thank you" to the citizens of Clarington who support us in so many ways and allow us to support others through "Service Above Self". Stay Safe, Stay Healthy! |
WOW!!! Our Trees are sold out already!Well, that didn't take long! Thanks to the citizens of Clarington, the Rotary Club of Bowmanville has sold out its 575 Christmas Trees. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to wish you and your families all the very best for the Holiday Season and the coming New Year. Stay Healthy and Stay Safe! |
Rotary Christmas Trees are now on SaleThe Rotary Christmas Trees have arrived at Watson Farm Market and business is expected to be brisk so don't wait! We have an excellent selection of Fraser Firs and Balsam Firs in a price range to suit most pocketbooks. Watson Farm Market is located at 2287 Durham Regional Hwy 2, Bowmanville ON, L1C 3K7. Proceeds from the sale of our Christmas Trees are returned to our community through the charitable work we perform. |
Concert to Feed the Need in DurhamOur Third Annual Concert to Feed the Need in Durham is coming on December 20, 2020 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. This year it is being presented by five Durham Region Rotary Clubs - Bowmanville, Oshawa, Oshawa Parkwood, Whitby, and Whitby Sunrise. Because of the pandemic, the concert will be virtual. We have a wonderful range of incredible local talent including up-and-coming music star Meghan Patrick. So, make plans to join us and be entertained while helping those in need during this difficult time. For the latest information, please visit our Facebook Page. |
Respite Care Children Create AMAZING Jack-O'-LanternsOne of the unfortunate consequences of the corona virus pandemic was the cancellation of our Summer Respite Care Program for children with special needs. However, the talented New Members Committee came up with an innovative idea to help the children celebrate Halloween. Pumpkins were delivered to the homes of those who indicated their interest in participating and the children and their families created some simply amazing Jack-O'-Lanterns. Prizes were presented to the top three based upon "Likes" on our Facebook page but we are sure you will agree that every one was was a spooky winner! Please follow this link to see all the AMAZING Jack-O"-Lanterns. |
Assembling Garden Boxes for the Salvation ArmyOn Saturday October 24th a crew of nine or ten Bowmanville Rotarians gathered at the Salvation Army Temple on Liberty Street South to assemble three large 8 foot by twelve foot garden boxes. The project took about three to three and a half hours on a beautiful, crisp, sunny fall day. Despite the masks and physical distancing, it was great fun for those involved. The Construction Crew
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The 2020 Rotary Foundation WalkThe mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. Each year Rotary Clubs participate in a "Foundation Walk" to raise money to support The Rotary Foundation. Usually the Foundation Walk is a District event but this year, because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the walks were local. On October 18th The Rotary Club of Bowmanville held its walk along the trails in the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area. The Club was please to be able to donate at least $5,000 toward the exceptional work of The Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Club of Bowmanville donates at least $5,000 to The Rotary Foundation Bowmanville Rotarians and Friends celebrate The Rotary Foundation Walk
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Bowmanville Rotary Supports Circle of Indigenous Friends and Advocates ConferenceThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville was pleased to be a sponsor of the St. Paul's Circle of Indigenous Friends and Advocates Conference which was hosted virtually on September 25th and 26th, 2020. |
Bowmanville Rotary's Summer Squad Makes News!EXTRA,EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!!! Bowmanville Rotary's amazing Summer Squad has made the news! With the cancellation of our long running Summer Respite Care Program due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the funding available was morphed into an idea which has become an amazing success. Read all about the four savvy young women that have become our fantastic Summer Squad by following this link. |
Bowmanville Rotary Cleans Up on Baseline RoadThrough the Clarington Adopt-A-Road Program the Bowmanville Rotary Club has adopted the section of Baseline Road between Liberty Street and Green Road. On Saturday July 4th a crew of ten Bowmanville Rotarians spent a couple of hours picking up litter along that stretch of Baseline Road. There were a couple of "interesting" finds but on the whole the roadside was fairly clean. |
Bowmanville Rotary Pitches in to Help Bethesda HouseWhen the Bowmanville Rotary Club asked what they might be able to do to help Bethesda House, the answer was "some gardening". On Friday June 26 and Saturday June 27 a crew of Bowmanville Rotarians donated their time and DIY/gardening talents to spruce up the porch, patio, and gardens around Bethesda House. The Crew Chris and Rachel hard at work
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Bowmanville Rotary Gives Bursaries to Deserving StudentsAt its virtual meeting on June 16, 2020, the Rotary Club of Bowmanville was pleased to be able to present its annual student bursaries to five very deserving students who will be attending post secondary institutions in September. The recipients were: Arin Jean Davey (Bowmanville High School) will be attending Trent University to study in the Biomedical Science Program. Following that she plans to attend the University of Waterloo for the Vision Science Program. Janine Grace Driesman (Durham Christian High School) will be attending to study in the Architectural and Environmental Technology Program. Elizabeth Grace Kingsley (St. Steven Catholic Secondary School) will be studying Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Olivia Doorenspleet (Clarington Central Secondary School) plans to study Nursing at Ryerson University. Cameron Nicholas Cheshire (Clarke High School) will be attending Trent University to study in the Environmental Science Program. The Rotary Club of Bowmanville wishes our bursary recipients every success in their studies and in their eventual chosen careers. |
Bowmanville Rotary Bottle DriveThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville's CURBSIDE BOTTLE DRIVE was a tremendous success! With your generous support we raised $7,300 10 cents at a time. With the cancellation of our Ribs & Brews Festival we are facing a difficult year as we continue to perform our charitable work within our community. The generosity you have shown by simply dropping off your empties has been inspirational. We owe you a huge THANK YOU for your support! Rotary Club President Jason and Rotarian Rachel Who are those masked men???
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Rotary Supports Front Line Health Care and Support Teams at Lakeridge Health BowmanvilleOur front line health care and support teams at Lakeridge Health Bowmanvile are working under increasingly stressful conditions created by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. To top it off, the volunteer run snack bar has been closed due to the pandemic making it difficult to grab a quick bite on the fly. As a gesture of support and appreciation for their heroic efforts, the Rotary Club of Bowmanville has arranged for "treats" to be delivered to Lakeridge Health Bowmanville. The treats are in the form of snack foods, prepared by Lisa's Cake Lollies and Treats, that can be taken during a break in their hectic day. We wish to extend our heart-felt appreciating and gratitude to everyone at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville for all you are doing to keep us healthy and safe during these difficult times. This initiative was spearheaded by Rotarian Phil Benner with the generous assistance of Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Volunteer Coordinator Vicki Adams and Lisa's Cake Lollies and Treats. Phil Benner and Vicki Adams delivering treats
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Bowmanville Rotary Supports Feed the Need in DurhamThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville continued its long standing support for Feed the Need in Durham with a further donation of $2,225. We would encourage anyone who is able to donate money, food, or time to this important cause to do so; especially given the difficult situation created by the coronavirus pandemic. Bowmanville Rotary supports Feed the Need in Durham |
Rotary Supports the Firehouse Youth CentreVeronica Breen and Paul Dobbs from the John Howard Society were the Rotary Club of Bowmanville's guest speakers on January 21, 2020. Paul provided a historical overview of the John Howard Society and its work. Veronica, the Executive Director of The Firehouse Youth Centre in Bowmanville, provided a review of the purpose and functioning of the Centre. Veronica and Paul also answered numerous questions from the assembled Rotarians. They also presented the Rotary Club of Bowmanville with a Certificate of Appreciation for the support the Club has provided to The Firehouse Youth Centre since its inception. The Youth Service Committee of the Bowmanville Rotary Club presented The Firehouse Youth Centre with a cheque for $2,000. (L to R) Veronica Breen, Joe Solway, and Paul Dobbs
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Annual Meeting of The Septua- Octo- Nonagenarian SocietyThe 9th Annual Meeting of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville's Septua- Octa- Nonagenarian Society (SONS for short) was hosted by Fred and Debbie Mandryk at the Bowmanville Family Restaurant on Friday January 3, 2020. Following an introductory welcome to the assembled #genarians and their spouses by Fred, the first order of business was to update the name of the Society to include those Rotarians who have entered their nineties. Fred then welcomed new members John Burns, Pauline Calvert, Denis Beaulieu, and Renee Bos and presented them with membership certificates. A delightful time of conversation and fellowship transpired over lunch. The membership extends it thanks to Fred and Debbie for hosting. The Way Too Cool members of the Septua- Octa- Nonagenarian Society
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Bowmanville Rotary delivers plush toys to Lakeridge Health Bowmanville's Emergency DepartmentNo one ever wants to end up in the Emergency Department, especially if it is a child and it is during the Christmas Holidays. So, how can a necessary scary visit be made a little less stressful? It started last year with a text message from the husband of one of the Emergency Department nurses (Jodi C.) at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville asking on behalf of his wife if Rotary could help by providing a few plush toys to comfort children who were unfortunate enough to find themselves in the ER during the holidays. Rotary members scrambled together about 120 plush toys that we were able to deliver just in time for the holidays. This year Bowmanville Rotarians were prepared and with a huge boost from one of our members (thank you Dave S.) and the help of the ER staff, we were able to deliver over 260 plush toys to last through the holidays and a bit beyond. It is our hope that this can become one of our annual traditions. We wish to extend our heart-felt thanks to everyone at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville for the care and compassion they deliver throughout the year and for this opportunity for Rotary to give back to our community. Merry Christmas and All the Very Best for the New Year to one and all. |
Annual Rotary Children's Christmas Party a Heart-Warming SuccessDespite some very uncooperative weather, the annual Rotary Children's Christmas Party, held at the Clarington Beech Centre on Sunday December 1st, was a wonderful heart-warming event. Organized by a team led by Rotarians Chris Zelasko and Rachel Boyd, the party featured a display and presentation by Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue, entertainment by magician Magic Al, amazing face painting by Janet Lange, pictures with Santa by Hunter's Sports Photography, a sumptuous turkey dinner with all the fixin's catered by Massey House Restaurant, and (of course) a visit from Santa Claus. Three of our Summer Respite Care Givers were able to attend and serve as Santa's elves for the distribution of gifts to the children. To view more photos of this wonderful party, please follow the link to visit the Photo Album. Santa and his Elves (L to R) Charlotte, Laura, Santa, and Abby L to R Kelly, Ryan, and Mark Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue with an Animal Friend
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Rotary Fellowship Dinner at Copper Branch Restaurant in BowmanvilleOn Wednesday November 13th a number of Bowmanville Rotarians gathered together to try the unique culinary offerings at The Copper Branch Restaurant in Bowmanville. The Copper Branch offers a vegan dining experience and as the photo below illustrates, a great meal and a time was had by all. Bowmanville Rotarians enjoy a vegan dinner at The Copper Branch
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First Annual Pumpkin Parade A Tremendous SuccessThe First Annual Pumpkin Parade featured over 200 JacK-O-Lanterns lining the walkway and veranda of the Clarington Museum's Waverley Place. Organized by Bowmanville High School student James Chocorlan with Rotary's financial support, the event brought out a throng of adults and children to view the amazing array of Jack-O-Lantern ideas from the very comical to the down right scary. The event was also designed to support the local Salvation Army Food Bank by requesting a donation of non-perishable food items from the attendees. The local Boy Scouts also participated by selling snacks as a fundraiser for their troop. All in all this was indeed a tremendous success for a first time event and we at Rotary wish to congratulate James, his family, and his friends for the amazing effort they put into making it happen. We also would like to see this event continue and will assist in any way we can. Thank you to everyone who participated by bring their Jack-O-Lantern, donating to the Salvation Army Food Bank, or simply attended the event. Our thanks as well to Clarington Museum and Archives for hosting the event and to the Municipality for arranging for the composting of the pumpkins. Jack-O-Lanterns line the Walkway at Waverley Place Really Spooky!!!
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Bowmanville Rotary Supports PFLAGThe Bowmanville Rotary Club's Youth Service Committee presented a $500 cheque to PFLAG beside the Rainbow crosswalk at John M. James Public School on Mearns Ave. Our club was one of the original sponsors of the crosswalk which was a grassroots initiative of PFLAG and others in the community that was installed last spring. The funding is earmarked for the organization's Camp Rainbow Phoenix, a residential-style summer leadership program for youth ages 13 to 17. PFLAG supports LGBTQ people and their families. (L to R) Alison Ridding, Rotarian and Youth Service Director Joe Solway, Bowmanville Rotary Club President Jason Van Stiphout, Jordan McCormack and Erica Montgomery of PFLAG Durham Region
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Welcome to Rotary!A Little Bit about Rotary |
First Annual Bowmanville Pumpkin ParadeYou are invited to come out and participate in the First Annual Pumpkin Parade!! What is a Pumpkin Parade? A Pumpkin Parade is an opportunity to showcase your Jack-O-Lantern along with those of your friends and neighbours. Where is the Pumpkin Parade being held? It is being held at the Clarington Museum and Archives located at 37 Silver Street in Bowmanville. When is it being held? November 1st, the day after Halloween, between 6:00PM and 8:00PM. How can I participate? It's easy! Drop off your boo-tiful Jack-O-Lantern anytime after 3:00PM at the Clarington Museum. Lights will be provided so your prize pumpkin creation can be shown in all its glory. Then come back between 6:00PM and 8:00PM to see all the pumpkins on parade. Is there an admission charge? No! There is no admission charge for participating in the Pumpkin Parade; however, we would encourage you to bring non-perishable food items to support the Salvation Army Food Bank. Need more information? If you would like more information, please email the Clarington Museum at info@claringtonmuseums.com By the way, the Bowmanville Scouts will have refreshments available for purchase by donation. So, come out and have a great time at the First Annual Pumpkin Parade!!!
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Second Annual Concert to Feed the Need in DurhamThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville is proud to present its second annual Concert to Feed the Need in Durham. Feed the Need in Durham provides perishable and non-perishable food to emergency food providers in Durham Region. For more information, please visit their website by following this link. Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $15 for youth and children 16 years and younger and are available through eventbrite by following this link and clicking on "Select a Time". Don't miss out; order your tickets today! Sponsorship opportunities are also available to show your support and help defray costs. For more information and to download a sponsorship application form, please follow this link. The amazing talent line-up has something for all tastes and ages: *The Doozies *Wooly *Glendale One *The Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir *Ugly Horse *Cale Crowe *Jess & Tay *Barbara Lynn Doran *Matt Doran *Alexa Goldie *Kalista Wilson *The Charles Street Band *Hunter Sheridan *Alicia Robicheau *Naya Liviah & Carl Cotton *Chris "Crisis" Inammorati *James Wilson *Oy to the World *Hunter Sheridan |
Bowmanville Rotarian Bob Stevens leaves Club after 69 Years of "Service Above Self"Bowmanville Rotarian Bob Stevens, who has left the Club after almost 69 years to spend more time with his wife, Jean, was honoured during the Four-Club meeting held at the Oshawa Golf and Curling Club on September 24, 2019. Bob joined the Rotary Club of Bowmanville on December 8, 1950 and has had perfect or near perfect attendance at the weekly meetings every year since. Bowmanville Rotary President Jason Van Stiphout introduced Jean and Bob and announced that Bob had been inducted back to the Club as an Honourary Member. He's not getting away that easily! Jason was also pleased to be able to present Bob with a Paul Harris Fellowship +8 which recognizes Bob's generous contribution of over $9,000 US to The Rotary Foundation. Jean and Bob Stevens are introduced by Bowmanville Rotary President Jason Van Stiphout Bowmanville Rotary President pins Bob Stevens' Paul Harris Fellowship +8 to his lapel
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Rotarian Bob Stevens Leaves Rotary after 69 YearsBob Stevens was/is a consummate Rotarian! When he was younger he rarely missed a meeting and when he did, he always tried to ensure he attended a make-up. Bob joined the Rotary Club of Bowmanville on December 8, 1950 and, with a heavy heart, he suddenly resigned just shy of 69 years during our August 20, 2019 meeting in order to spend more time with his lovely and loving wife Jean who isn't well. Bob status within the Club was immediately changed to that of "Honourary" Rotarian. Both Bob's grandfather and father were members of the Bowmanville Rotary Club so he came by the ideal of service above self honestly. Bob served as Bowmanville Rotary's president during the 1966-1967 Rotary year. He received his first Paul Harris Fellowship in June 1987 and as of March 2019 is a PHF+6. He was also one of the "Original Seven" who took out personal loans to purchase and save the old Cream of Barley Mill which is now Bowmanville's Visual Arts Centre. As he presented what turned our to be his farewell speech, Bob presented a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to the Club. His wish is that $5,000 be donated to The Rotary Foundation and the remaining $5,000 be put to good work by the Club. Club members are truely going to miss Bob's sunny disposition and ever present smile at our meetings. We wish both Bob and Jean all the very best. After almost 69 Years, Bob Stevens announces his resignation from the Rotary Club of Bowmanville
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Bowmanville Respite Care Program Successfully Wraps Up Its 22nd YearThe Summer Respite Care Program is one of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville’s signature programs. The Bowmanville Rotary Club has had a long history of support for children with special needs and their families. Recognizing that families with special needs children deserve some respite, especially during the summer months when children are not in school, the Bowmanville Rotary Club has for 22 years offered a Summer Respite Care Program that provides both home care and experiences for children with special needs. The program began in 1998 with three families enrolled and has grown to include over thirty-one families with thirty-five children ranging in age from 3 to 25+. The program involves one of the Club’s student respite care givers spending quality time with the special needs child and providing social, educational and recreational activities appropriate for the child. Not only does the Summer Respite Care Program provide respite for the families and quality care for the children, it also provides meaningful career-related summer jobs for the five college and university students we hire. This year the Summer Respite Care Program ran for ten weeks from June 17, 2019 to August 23, 2019. The very successful Program was funded in part by a grant from the Canada Summer Jobs Program administered through Service Canada and by the Rotary Club of Bowmanville. A family could request preferred hours to meet their particular needs during the summer. The level of support available depended upon the funding available; however, the Rotary Club tried to provide between four to eight hours of respite care per week per child at a nominal cost of two dollars per hour of care. This year's amazing Respite Care Givers and the Rotary support team are pictured below. (L to R) Community Service Director Lyle Goodin, Program Supervisor Bonnie Seto, Program Coordinator Charlotte Timperley, Respite Care Givers Laura Gazley, Megan Lugtenburg, Emily Lehman, Abigail Heslop, and ADG John Burns |
Bowmanville Rotary Helps Refurbish PlaygroundThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville was pleased to assist with the cost of refurbishing the children's playground at the Bowmanville Valley Co-operative Homes location on Jackman Road. The total cost of the project was $5,858 toward which the Club contributed $5,000. The refurbishing of the playground was performed by Vant Play Equipment of Brantford. Bowmanville Valley Co-operative Homes Refurbished Playground Bowmanville Valley Co-operative Homes Refurbished Playground
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Bowmanville Rotary Donates $50,000 to Durham Region Hospice - ClaringtonThe Rotary Club of Bowmanville is delighted to announce that it has donated a total of $50,000 toward the construction of a hospice in Clarington. The funds are intended to not only assist with the fundraising initiative to build the hospice but also to provide namng rights to one of the rooms in the hospice. The room will be dedicated to the memory of Mary and Vincent Fletcher of Bowmanville. Vince Fletcher was a very active Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow. Following his passing, his wife Mary continued their dedication to Rotary by giving $2,500 each year to support Rotary's Chriistmas Party for children with special needs and their families. Upon her death, Mary bequithed $196,000 to the Rotary Club of Bowmanville. The funds have been invested and it is the intention of the Bowmanville Rotary Club to fund one major community initiative each year for five years. The contribution toward the Durham Region Hospice - Clarington is our first such initiative. For more information about Durham Region Hospice - Clarington or to donate toward the Clarington Hospice, please visit their website by following this link. Bowmanville Rotary President John Burns (C) presents a cheque to hospice advocate Marian Timmermans (L) and Donna McFarlane (R), Senior Advisor, Durham Region Hospice
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A Tribute to Rotarian Bob StevensDuring the Tri-Club Rotary meeting on October 2, 2018, Bowmanville Rotary Club President John Burns offered up a tribute to fellow Bowmanville Rotarian Bob Stevens. Born May 8, 1928, Bob turned 90 this past spring and today was celebrating 67 years as a Rotarian. Bob still has his drivers license and rarely misses a meeting. He was Club president during the 1966/1067 Rotary year and earned his first Paul Harris Fellowship in June 1987. In February 2017 Bob was awarded a PHF+5. Bob exemplifies everything Rotary is about. Congratulations, Bob! Jean and Bob Stevens
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Rotary Supports Rainbow CrosswalkThe Bowmanville Rotary Club was pleased to be able to help three sisters realize their objective of getting a Rainbow Crosswalk in Bowmanville in support of the LGBTQ community. The three, Jordan McCormack, Alison Ridding, and Emily Allison, originally approached the Municipality of Clarington and received unanimous approval to cost share the creation of the crosswalk. The cost was estimated at about $8,000 which meant that the trio would have to raise $4,000 to see their dream realized. The Bowmanville Rotary Club's New Member Committee, chaired by Joe Solway, started the ball rolling with a donation of $1,000. Following that, Steve Kay, Director of Fundraising and Special Events, offered the three sisters the use of the Club's crowd sourcing site, www.funditclarington.com to assist with their fundraising efforts. The community's response was nothing short of amazing and the remaining $3,000 was raised in less than a week. For more information about this unique project, please see the story published in the Clarington This Week or visit the Rainbow Crosswalk Facebook page. Well done everyone!!! (L to R) Steve Kay, Joe Solway, President John Burns, Jordan McCormack, Alison Ridding, Emily Alison, and Mayor Adrian Foster
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Mary Fletcher Makes Major Donation to Bowmanville RotaryVince Fletcher was a long time member of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville and along with his wife, Mary, they were great supporters of Rotary. Both Mary and Vince were Paul Harris Fellows. Following Vince's passing, Mary continued to support the Bowmanville Rotary Club's Children's Christmas Party with an annual donation of $2,500. Mary Fletcher passed away in April 2018 and is truly missed by those who knew her. The Rotary Club of Bowmanville was surprised and delighted to learn that Mary's will provided for a substantial donation to the Club. During our September 18, 2018 meeting former Club member Don Hutton, a long time friend of Mary's, attended to announce that Mary was leaving the sum of $296,000 to the Club. The Club will take some time to consider how to appropriately disburse the funds. The Finance Committee will entertain suggestions from Club members and all members will be involved in making the decisions. It is anticipated that distribution of the funds will take place over several years as worthwhile projects are identified. (L to R) President John Burns, Don Hutton, Rotarian Tim Funchion
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Bowmanville Rotary Supports the Darlington Soccer ClubSoccer is an increasingly popular sport in Clarington and the municipality provides several soccer fields for this purpose throughout the community. The Darlington Soccer Club works hard to keep the fields in pristine condition to enhance player safety and improve game pace and quality. To accomplish this, the Soccer Club owns and maintains a tractor, field rollers, and other equipment used to seed, fertilize, water, and roll the fields. In July the Darlington Soccer Club approached the Rotary Club of Bowmanville, which hosts its Ribs & Brews event at the Clarington Fields, with a request to donate funds to purchase a shed in which to house their equipment. The Soccer Club also offered to engage in a joint branding opportunity. The Rotary Club of Bowmanville was pleased to support the Darlington Soccer Club with a grant of $4400.00 to purchase the much needed shed and offered to pay for a joint branding banner to be affixed to the shed. (L - R) Kevin Anyan, Director, Public Relations and Branding; Kyle Elliott, Club Administrator, Darlington Soccer Club; Lyle Goodin, Director, Community Service
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Give Someone a Future: Be an Organ/Tissue DonorDistrict Governor Valarie Wafer supports a challenge to Rotarians in District 7070 to increase the number of registered consents for Organ and Tissue Donation in the Province of Ontario and in particular in our District. Just a few facts
Our goal is to inspire members to check their status, and either confirm registration or register for the first time. We hope that they will encourage family and friends to join in the clubs’ initiative. All you need is your health card and two minutes of your time. This is the ultimate opportunity for “Service Above Self” with no financial impact on the donor or their family! For more complete information visit our site page or go to our campaign page to register. Hilda Finnigan, Past President of the Rotary Club of Oshawa Parkwood and a volunteer with the Trillium Gift of Life Network will facilitate clubs in participating in this project. With the assistance of TGLN staff she will report the results of our efforts every three months. |